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From the Big BOO-HAA to Smartphone-ography - it's 'How to Adult'

Posted on September 15, 2017

From de-stressing job interviews to selling yourself to prospective employers and even turning a hobby into an online business, the City of Bayswater's 'How to Adult' workshops for young people have it covered.

As part of the workshop program, comedians from The Big HOO-HAA improvisation team will be involving 14 to 25 year olds in an innovative and interactive session aimed at shaking off interview nerves. The emphasis of the workshop will be on having fun and demystifying what can be a stressful occasion for young job hunters.

Big HOO-HAA's Bonnie Davis said the workshop would be the first time the team had delivered a session on one of the most nerve wracking experiences that a young adult can face as they transition from education to work.

"The great thing about improv is that it injects energy and laughter into the workshop environment and that can be really effective," Ms Davis said.

"Improv surprises and engages and it makes workshops memorable. I think it was that great British comedian John Cleese who said he who laughs most, learns best."

"Improv's great power is that it encourages participants to open up, listen to their peers, share and explore ideas, and be open to new ways of doing things."

In addition to the interview improv session, the innovative 'How to Adult' program includes workshops covering networked selling skills, as well as the use of smartphone technology and online tools to promote a budding business or product.

The workshops have been organised by the City's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and Mayor Barry McKenna said the 'How to Adult' program represented a lot of out-of-the-box thinking by the YAC.

"The topics chosen are contemporary, highly relevant and reflect the needs of a generation of young people who are highly networked, avid consumers of online technology and who need to be able to shine in a difficult job market.

"It's a great program of workshops and I suspect places will be in great demand."

The workshops take place over the October 2017 school holiday period and further information can be found on the City's website: www.bayswater.wa.gov.au/events.

To register for one of the workshops, visit: www.cityofbayswateryouthservices.eventbrite.com.au.